--- In IceHorses@yahoogroups.com, "Nancy Sturm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > > Seriously, though, wouldn't differences in conformation, temperment and > level of training all affect gait? >
I think so. I think a lot is conformation, that's what they come with, then there is training, but in my mind this should just be me asking for them to slow down or speed up and keep them in the range of the gait, thinking about a good frame, self carriage, not totally changing how they go naturally. Then there is the temperament, I am thinking mostly thinking in terms of energy levels. In Icelandics who are more to the lateral side of things, it seems they need to be very relaxed to trot, if they get kind of nervous and tense their bodies, it's not so easy to get them trotting, a big part is conformation, but it's also what they do with themselves. A more natural trotter, just for instance, wouldn't have to be as relaxed in order to be able to trot. Just what I can think of right now. Kim